Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)
People have been enjoying the beautiful landscape of the Causeway Coast and Glens for a very long time, and we intend to keep it that way. Conservation is very close to our hearts and with four designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), our space will be enjoyed for generations.
Antrim Coast and Glens
Designated as an AONB in 1988, it is an area of contrasts. Stretching along the Antrim coastline from Ballycastle to Larne it covers the world famous Glens of Antrim. Its got stunning scenery with deep glens that stretch out to the Atlantic Ocean with gentle bays and rugged headlands. Rathlin Island forms part of this AONB and is so worth a visit for its rich historical, geological and botanical credentials.
Causeway Coast
An AONB since 1989, the Causeway Coast, is known the world over due it the Giant's Causeway, Northern Ireland's first and to date only World Heritage Site in Northern Ireland. The geology of the area has formed spectacular coastal scenery. Volcanic rocks and white chalk form the dramatic backdrop to the beaches with cliffs and headlands and here you will find a rich and fascinating variety of wildlife. These beaches are separated by pretty fishing villages and seaside towns.
Binevenagh
The Binevenagh AONB was made official in 2006 and extends between the Roe Estuary and Magilligan, taking in the cliffs of Binevenagh, the Bann Estuary and the Portstewart sand dunes. The panoramic views from Binevenagh mountain reveal the miles of golden sands at Magilligan and Benone beaches, stretching across to Donegal.
Sperrin
The Sperrin AONB covers a largely mountainous area to the south west of the Causeway Coast and Glens. Rich in historic and archaeological heritage and folklore, visitors will appreciate the remoteness and raw beauty of this area with its undulating glens and valleys.
